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Step 1
This is a good time to start checking out websites. You won't need the clothes until you're about 4 months along, but it's best to start looking early. This gives you a few months to check through the clearance areas well in advance and allowing you to view a few months worth of stock rotation. Usually you will find clothes in these clearance areas at lower prices than anything you will find on sale at a brick and mortar maternity store.
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Step 2
Check out maternity malls and stores online for their clearance items. You will find items at rock bottom prices and sometimes free shipping. You can look for maternity and nursing (if you plan to breastfeed) clothes. Breastfeeding clothes will fit you different than maternity, since you will have a post-baby body, so don't think that you can purchase only one type vs. both types.
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Step 3
There are a couple of different patterns for maternity pants. One is a stretchy material that covers up and over your baby tummy. Another is to have the pants fit under your baby tummy. The up and over doesn't seem to cause as much scrunching in the crotch area, but if you are used to low rise jeans the up and over may not feel right for you. But look at both before you get online.
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Step 4
Once you are online and have found some clothes in the clearance area that you love, it's time to shop. Basic rule of thumb is to purchase maternity clothes in the size that you are (so if you are currently wearing size Large then purchase Maternity Large). Even though you will be gaining weight, it will mostly be in your stomach and breasts which will be accommodated by the added material in the clothes. It will only be if you gain weight above the recommended pregnancy target zone that you will need to purchase the next size up.
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Step 5
Know the return policy of the online store you are purchasing from in case your items don't fit when they arrive.
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Step 6
If you plan on purchasing a bathing suit, look for something that has a separate top and bottom. You won't know if you will grow out front or to the side until you're there. Your individual baby will determine your overall shape so if you want to grab something in the clearance section of an online store ahead of time, best to choose something that will accommodate any type of growth.
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Step 7
Your feet will most likely grow during pregnancy. Since you won't know, until after the baby is born, whether they will go back to their pre-baby size and shape or not (most don't), find a couple pairs of shoes that you can rotate within your wardrobe and wait until after the baby is born to purchase anything more. Finding mules that are 1/2 a size larger, online, will be a good bet.
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Step 8
Good rule of thumb for what you may want to stock your wardrobe with:
- 2 pairs of pants
- 1 pair of jeans or capris
- 1 pair of shorts if pregnant through the summer
- 1 sweater or jacket if you live in a cooler area
- 5 casual tops, nice enough to wear to work
- 2 dresses, you will love these when you are in your third trimester
- a couple of dressy tops for work
This will allow you enough clothing to rotate through laundry days. You don't want to purchase too much since it is for such a short time of your life.
